A Spellbinding Escape: Wicked Afternoon Tea at The Clermont, Victoria

There’s something undeniably theatrical about stepping into The Clermont, Victoria, a sense that even before you reach the theatre doors, the performance has already begun. Nowhere is this more enchanting than in the hotel’s Wicked-themed afternoon tea, inspired by the West End phenomenon and perfectly timed for fans eagerly awaiting the new Wicked movie release.

Tucked inside the hotel’s Tea Lounge, the ambiance is refined with a whisper of whimsy. Plush seating, warm lighting and heritage detailing create a serene backdrop, but look closer and you’ll find subtle nods to Oz woven artfully into the décor. Around the fireplace, touches of emerald, playful accents and themed flourishes bring the magic of Wicked into the space without compromising the hotel’s timeless aesthetic. It feels like a quiet, sophisticated introduction to the story, a soft overture before the spectacle of the stage.

The Dining Experience

The three-tiered stand arrives like a miniature tableau of Oz, each layer offering its own character-driven moment. On top, the patisserie selection is entirely theatrical in presentation, with the help of your server the table comes alive with magic. The Chocolate & Pistachio Bombe is rich and dramatic, a bold, velvety bite with a depth that nods to Elphaba’s intensity. The Lemon Meringue Pie brings a burst of sunshine, airy and bright, echoing Glinda’s effervescent charm. And the delicate Lime Cheesecake, dressed in a glossy emerald sheen, is the showstopper of the tier, a playful, clever homage to the Emerald City itself.

The middle tier stays true to British afternoon-tea tradition with warm scones, served with clotted cream and a duo of preserves. Simple, classic, and beautifully executed.

Below, the savoury selection offers a quartet of refined sandwiches: smoked salmon with cream cheese, ham and mustard, cucumber, and egg mayonnaise. Each one is delicate but flavourful, the kind of elegantly prepared bite you expect from a tea service at a heritage London hotel. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available upon request.

For those looking to elevate the experience, The Clermont serves two cocktails created especially for the theme. The Wicked is a vibrant, green-hued blend of gin, kiwi and sparkling wine, refreshing with a mischievous edge. The Good delivers something sweeter and more playful: berry-forward, effervescent, and very Glinda-coded. Classic teas, herbal blends and barista coffees round out the drinks menu for traditionalists.

What truly sets this afternoon tea apart is its seamless connection to the wider Wicked universe. The Clermont sits only a few minutes’ walk from the Apollo Victoria Theatre, making it an exceptionally well-placed pre-show ritual. Whether you’re seeing the West End production for the first time or returning for the emotional encore, this experience acts as a beautiful prelude, a way to sink into the story’s atmosphere long before the lights go down. And for filmgoers gearing up for the release of the new Wicked movie, it offers a chance to experience the magic in a completely different medium.

Price: £55 per person + extra for Cocktails

To book your Official Wicked Afternoon Tea at The Clermont visit:

https://www.theclermont.co.uk/wicked-afternoon-tea